15.11.2024.
The Rasina District is the twentieth administrative district where the Director of the Agency, Dejan Damnjanović, has held a meeting with representatives of local self-government units (LGUs). The meeting focused on the Agency’s competencies and their implementation. Acting as the host, the Mayor of Kruševac, Ivan Manojlović, welcomed representatives from the municipalities of Varvarin, Brus, Aleksandrovac, and Trstenik.
The aim of the meeting was to enhance the Agency’s preventive role through direct engagement with public officials in local governments, thereby strengthening mechanisms already in place to combat corruption. The Agency and local officials share a mutual interest in minimizing potential violations of the Law on Prevention of Corruption, the Law on Financing of Political Activities, and the Law on Lobbying. The meeting covered various topics in detail, including the declaration of assets and income by public officials, conflict of interest, the new cycle of integrity plan preparation, ethics and integrity training, lobbying, and the responsibilities of political entities and election campaign participants.
Director Damnjanović emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Agency and LGU representatives, stating: "Before this meeting in Kruševac, I met with mayors and presidents from 85 cities and municipalities over the past four months. I am very pleased with the interest and responsiveness shown by local government representatives. Through open conversations, we address potential dilemmas they face in their work. They want to establish effective communication with us and strive for maximum transparency in their operations, which aligns with our goals. We anticipate seeing the results of these discussions in the coming period, as we analyze and compare the situation before and after these meetings."
Mayor Ivan Manojlović expressed satisfaction with hosting the meeting in Kruševac, saying:
"This meeting provides an excellent opportunity for the presidents of municipalities and me, as the Mayor of Kruševac, to gain a deeper understanding of the Agency’s responsibilities. It also allows us to exchange experiences and receive practical advice for a more effective fight against corruption. Our shared goal is to ensure better functioning of local governments in preventing corruption across all areas under our jurisdiction, making them examples of good governance. This is what our citizens, who elected us, rightfully expect."
As with his visits to other districts, Director Damnjanović announced that representatives of the Agency would continue to make monthly visits to local communities. This initiative will further strengthen the ongoing cooperation with LGU representatives in the Rasina District.
